FOR RELEASE CONTACT
3/11/2014 Press office
(609) 847-3500

Assemblyman Tim Eustace on Tuesday criticized the Christie administration and the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) for unilaterally bypassing the legislature and serving as a roadblock as the electric car industry attempts to expand its presence in New Jersey.

The MVC was expected to vote at a 2 p.m. meeting today to institute a new regulation that would require all new car dealers to obtain a franchise agreement in order to receive a license from the state, effectively prohibiting Tesla's direct sales model, which cuts out the middleman and brings vehicles directly to customers through smaller retail establishments.

"Today's capricious decision may effectively shut down Tesla's operations and force them to close their current retail establishments. In the end, it will be the residents of our state, and our environment, who lose out.

"If this administration were really serious about promoting job creation, economic growth and innovation in our state, then it should be demonstrating a good faith effort to work with Tesla rather than erecting obstacles.

"This is a short-sighted decision that ignores the long-term benefits that electric cars pose for consumers and the environment. I hope to work with my colleagues in the legislature to expand access to more fuel-efficient, environmentally-friendly vehicle options for New Jersey residents," said Eustace (D-Bergen/Passaic).

Eustace, who drives an electric car himself and has sponsored a number of bills to help the electric car industry flourish in New Jersey, called the administration's actions obstructive and intends to explore possible legislative remedies.